Annual FSIN volleyball tournament hosted in Regina continues to grow

One of the FSIN volleyball teams representing George Gordon First Nation competed on Saturday afternoon. (HalleeMandryk/CTVNews)

Eighty-four youth volleyball players from 27 First Nations across Saskatchewan gathered over the weekend to compete in Regina at the annual FSIN Volleyball Championship.

"It's just about them and try and get them to focus on things that can help them in the future, especially sports. And that's what we hope, is to provide them with, sporting opportunities. The young people across Saskatchewan are, are actually pretty excited and happy to be here to participate in against, other First Nations within Saskatchewan," Danny Whitehawk, Sports Youth Coordinator for the Yorkton Tribal Council explained.

Hosted at several different sports facilities across the city, the young athletes had an opportunity to both work on their volleyball skills and engage within their community.

"It's just about them and trying to get them to focus on things that can help them in the future, especially sports. And that's what we hope, is to provide them with, sporting opportunities. The young people across Saskatchewan are actually pretty excited and happy to be here to participate against other First Nations within Saskatchewan." Danny Whitehawk, sports youth coordinator for the Yorkton tribal council said

"I'd say I love these opportunities because it gives me a chance to, like, go speak with and meet new people." Jace Morris, an athlete on the George Gordon First Nation team said.

One of Morris' teammates, Tehya Desjarlais also echoed these sentiments.

I'm just glad that me and my team get to play sports all together and have fun." Desjarlais said.

The two 13-year-old's feel that the volleyball program in their community is something that brings people together and sets a positive example for the other kids around them.

"I'm really glad that maybe, we can be inspiring young kids. I inspired my sister a lot and she loves sports as well. These goals could inspire younger ones to get on the field and get on the court and stuff and inspire other young kids." Desjarlais said.

According to organizers, the tournament has been growing in recent years. With 27 First Nations represented this year, it provides the young athletes with more opportunities to meet new friends and showcase their skills. As more communities get involved, it is an exciting prospect for those who annual look forward to the tournament.

"I'd love it because more teams means more games and stuff, and I like playing my sports...It's nice to reconnect with people and reconnect with friends and family here and [is] so fun." Morris said

"One of the things that we look forward [to] ...throughout the province, is to build relationships, not only in the city of Regina, city of Saskatoon, Prince Albert, but all the smaller community cities across Saskatchewan." Whitehawk said.